Campaigners disappointment at dismissal of "much-needed" Sandhurst care home plan

An appeal over plans to build a care home on land between Crowthorne and Sandhurst has been rejected

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Campaigners are “disappointed” an appeal to build a “much-needed” care home in Sandhurst has been dismissed.

Developers appealed Bracknell Forest Council's decision to refuse permission for an 85-bed home in Eagle House Field, off Crowthorne Road.

But the appeal was rejected by a planning inspector on Thursday, October 10.

David Vousden, secretary of Sandhurst Residents’ Association (SRA), said: “We are disappointed the appeal against refusal of the much-needed facility has been dismissed by the planning inspectorate.

“Although supported by Sandhurst Town Council and SRA, it was opposed by Bracknell Forest Council and in our view illustrates the very real conflict that arises when some members of the Bracknell Forest executive are also town councillors.”

Bracknell Forest Council’s planning committee rejected the proposals in September last year as it would impact on the space between Crowthorne and Sandhurst.

There were also question marks over whether there was demand for the facility and more than 30 objections from neighbours, Sandhurst GP Surgery and the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Planning inspector Chris Frost said while he was “acutely aware” difficulties with the speedy delivery of care beds would remain, using the land would go against planning framework, which promotes gaps between settlements.

David said: “From our perspective there won’t be sufficient facilities for older people in the community in the coming years.

“There will be a lot more people with dementia – it is almost like care in the community is being done on the cheap.”

Sandhurst town councillor Dale Birch, who is also executive member for adult services, health and housing, deputy leader and planning committee member at Bracknell Forest Council, said he never supported the application.

Cllr Birch said: “I have always fought for the maintenance of the gap that keeps Sandhurst unique.

“The first and primary reason why the borough objected was because of the planning policy which prevents the joining up of settlements.

“Sandhurst Town Council submitted no objection – that is all it did. As with the democratic process there were those who supported the idea and those that didn’t.”

Cllr Birch said there were “sufficient” places in existing residential and nursing homes along with plans for a 60-bed care home in Sandhurst Road, older people’s accommodation on the former Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) site in Crowthorne and Clement House on the former Garth Hill College site.

He added: “Older people want to stay in their homes as long as possible and we will do everything in our power to help them. The demand is not as great as the public think.”

Andy Morris, strategic land director for developer Bewley Homes, said: “It’s a shame the inspector turned down the opportunity to provide more dementia care in Bracknell.

“It’s a lost opportunity for high quality care for dementia patients.”